Sons of Ra

WZRD 88.3 FM, Northeastern's Radio Station, first signed on air 50 years ago on Monday, July 8, 1974. To commemorate these last five decades of broadcasting, WZRD is proud to invite our loyal listeners, fellow DJs, staff, alumni, musicians and anyone else who would like to support us in our 50th year to one of the best venues on the Northside of the city, Martyrs'! We will have four bands, vendors, merch, swag bags, and more. Not to mention the event will be absolutely FREE! Of course the bands booked will be of a freeform nature: punk rock, progressive jazz, funk rock, and electronic/synth music will dazzle and astound you the night of May 4th, 2024! Bring your friends and family to this wonderful event to help all of us here at the Wizard celebrate 50 years! Bands: Cosmic Bull is a Chicago-based four-piece band featuring Mark Vickery on vocals and rhythm guitar, Jim Dinou on keys and backing vocals, Patrick Dinnen on bass and Ben Domhoff on drums. (3/4 members were in the iconic Talking Heads Tribute Band, This Must Be The Band. Chicago-based singer/songwriter, Mark Vickery who leads the band sings in low vocal range about subjects we tend to need more than want.) https://cosmicbull.bandcamp.com/ Silver Abuse was one of the original punk bands in Chicago, forming in 1977. There were various versions of Silver Abuse, but the original version starred lifetime member Bill Meehan, along with Santiago Durango and Camilo Gonzalez, early members of Naked Raygun. Silver Abuse broke up for good in 1983. After the original version of Silver Abuse disbanded in the late 70s, most of the members of SA formed The Wayouts!. Even though The Wayouts! included many of the same members of Silver Abuse, their lazer-sharp sardonic and cartoonish one-minute pop missives varied so greatly from Silver Abuse's sloppy yet spot-on political and social dissections, that they are best not included in the greater Silver Abuse beastiary. Some of The Wayouts!' members became Silver Abuse again after their last show on New Year's Eve, 1980. There was also a later spin-off group called Burden of Friendship. https://open.spotify.com/artist/4iAs4zW9wA60c3hJRDXIHh Sons of Ra Hailing from the underground scene of Chicago, this eclectic ensemble draws inspiration from avant garde music, classic jazz fusion with post-progressive sensibilities, infusing their music with cosmic vibrations and experimental fervor. Drummer Michael Rataj lays an energetic and ever-shifting rhythmic framework for tenor saxophonist/bassist Keith Wakefield and guitarist Erik Oldman to weave angular, contrapuntal melodies with ethereal textures augmented by loops and synthesizer explorations. Sons of Ra are not merely a band; they are sonic sorcerers, weaving spells of experimental brilliance that transcend the boundaries of traditional genres. Their new six-part suite “Tropic of Cancer” is out now and will be available for purchase at this show! https://sonsofra.bandcamp.com/music Charlie Otto has been a Chicago favorite for 15 years. The founder of the cult darlings This Must be the Band and DJ noDJ, he’s sold out venues around the United States, and has had the honor of playing alongside many amazingly talented people including some of his musical idols, like Umphrey’s McGee and members of King Crimson and Smashing Pumpkins. “charlie otto + his gear” is his first solo project, running on the cutting edge of both music and video performance, spontaneously using his guitar solo to generate what you see on the screen, or turning a knob to both modulate a synth and distort the images in the video. The technology to connect the sound and visuals to this degree is only recently being developed, and with the help of video guru DRMBT, Charlie experiments and pushes this tech forward every show. The songs are not experiments though, they’re fully developed SONGS. The lyrics and chords are gushing with feeling, the drums are throbbing, the synths are huge, it’s very electronic while still achieving rock and roll status – probably because most of it is controlled by Charlie’s multi-guitar. Although the entire show is danceable, don’t be surprised if there are times you’re glued to where you stand and your jaw stays open. Either way, it’s something that you’ll have to talk about later. https://www.charlieotto.com/ Vendors: Art by Lindsay Michelle Taich - Lindsay will be live painting during the show and will have art for sale as well. Feel free to check out her work on instagram @lindsaymichelle_artist Records for sale by Round Trip Records - They buy and sell vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, cassettes and books at our retail store in Chicago and online. 3455 W Foster www.roundtriprecords.store IG: @roundtriprecordschicago Yoga on the Beach - Jonathan received his certification to teach yoga in the summer of 2014, and immediately began his journey as a yoga instructor. Since, he’s taught at many gyms and studios. He has been a dedicated student and teacher; traveling the world to continue his yoga education, in advanced sequencing, teacher training facilitation, workshops and sound baths. In 2017, Jonathan traveled to Riobamba, Ecuador to study Ashtanga Yoga. Upon returning home, Jonathan’s vision of his yoga teachings were clear; create a connection between practicing yoga and nature. Partnering with his cousin Brian, in 2018, the pair created Yoga On The Beach Co. ​ Jonathan’s classes are accessible to all levels; mixing elements of Ashtanga, Yin and Vinyasa Yoga. Jonathan also layers in live instruments such as crystal singing bowls, melodies from a hand pan. flute, drums and more. Classes are designed with careful intention and thought, allowing for an inner and out of body experience. Jonathan’s goal is to create an affordable, judgement-free outdoor yoga community, on beaches and lakes around the world. Jon will also be selling Native American flutes and Guatemalan jewelry the night of the event. Follow him on Instagram, @j.villacres & @yogaonthebeachco Stay tuned for more info!